Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I have to co-sign the Exam Candidates chart notes? No, co-signing of all chart notes is not required. However, it is expected that chart notes are reviewed as necessary to ensure competency.

2. Can the Exam Candidate work alone? On the weekend? Evenings in private practice alone with an Assistant? This will vary depending on the capabilities of the new graduate, as assessed by the Supervisor. The Exam Candidate will undergo an initial assessment of skills and abilities by the Supervisor and an appropriate supervision plan will be created specifically for that Exam Candidate. The supervision can be indirect. This may include working alone, on weekends or evenings. However this is supervised, not independent practice and supervision must still be in place.

3. If they make a mistake, is my license on the line or theirs? Both. As the Supervisor, you are monitoring the Exam Candidate’s practice and delegating patients whose requirements are within their competency level. The Exam Candidate also has the responsibility to practice within their level of competency and discuss treatments with the Supervisor.

4. Can they bill third party payers independently? Yes, Exam Candidates can bill independently.

5. Can they work in the community in the patient’s home or in isolation a couple of times a week? See answer to #2 above.

6. What is my responsibility to the College – are there progress reports to write? How often? For the majority of Exam Candidates, only one progress report will be necessary within the 3-4 month period of supervision. The initial assessment of the Exam Candidate by the Supervisor does not involve a formal evaluation; its purpose is to formulate a supervision plan. For Exam Candidates who do not successfully complete the first sitting of the Clinical Component of the PCE after graduation, the supervision period will be longer and require a formal evaluation every 3-6 months, as deemed appropriate by the Supervisor.

7. How long do I need to supervise them? Until the Exam Candidate receives notice she/he has been successful in passing the Clinical Component of the PCE, or until a change of Supervisor is mutually agreed upon by both Supervisor and Exam Candidate. This change must be reported to the CPM.

8. What if I am on vacation during the time they are supervised? The Supervisor must make arrangements for supervision by another physiotherapist when the Supervisor is not available. This temporary change does not need to be reported to CPM; only PERMANENT changes in Supervisor need to be reported to CPM.

9. Are they paid the same amount as a fully qualified physiotherapist? This is determined by each individual employer, not the CPM.

10. What happens if the Exam Candidate fails the Clinical Component of the PCE? If the Exam Candidate fails the Clinical Component, he/she continues on supervised practice.